Limited ability of three commonly used thermoplasticized gutta-percha techniques in filling oval-shaped canals.
The present study was designed to compare the percentage of gutta-percha-filled area (PGFA) achieved in oval-shaped canals after filling by 3 thermoplasticized techniques. Eighty-seven oval-shaped root canals were prepared and root-filled as follows: lateral condensation (n = 20), thermomechanical compaction (n = 20), wave of condensation (n = 20), and Thermafil system (n = 20). A cross section of each tooth was made 5 mm from the apex, and the samples were prepared for microscopic analysis. Digital image measurements of the cross-sectioned area of the canal and the gutta-percha were performed, and the PGFA was calculated. Nonparametric statistical analysis was performed with the Kruskal-Wallis H test and post hoc Dunn test. Overall, PGFAs were variable among the experimental groups, ranging from 37.1%-98.5%, and the pooled data from all techniques had a general mean of 69.6% +/- 18%. Thermafil system, wave of condensation, and thermomechanical compaction produced significantly higher PGFAs than lateral condensation (P < .05); however, no significant differences among these techniques were detected (P > .05). Therefore, a limited ability to fill oval-shaped canals was achieved in the 3 thermoplasticized techniques tested.
De-Deus
Gustavo
G
Department of Endodontics, Veiga de Almeida University (UVA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. Electronic address: endogus@gmail.com.
Reis
Claudia
C
Department of Endodontics, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Beznos
Denise
D
Department of Endodontics, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
de Abranches
Alice Maria Gruetzmacher
AM
Department of Endodontics, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Coutinho-Filho
Tauby
T
Department of Endodontics, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Paciornik
Sidney
S
Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006171:Gutta-Percha; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D012389:Root Canal Obturation / Q000379:methods*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric
D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D006171:Gutta-Percha